Playing In "The Pocket": Tips On Rhythm Mastery From A Pro!
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- What does it mean to "play in the pocket?" When someone says to "lay back" or "play on top?" In this video I'll tell you what it means, how to play in the pocket and we'll look at what this looks like in a Pro Tools session. Learn how to make a track feel "laid back" or "pushed" a bit.....get ready!
Mastering The Pocket: Tips On Rhythm Mastery From A Pro #guitar #rhythmguitar #inthepocket
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![He told me how to Find the Pocket with ANY Band [ft. Tim Pierce]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/walos4a-6Yw/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Shane! Absolute killer content. Love the pros viewpoint of pocket. Love the storytellin from a New Orleans cat.
Hey Shane, I’m a full time guitarist in Nashville, and I greatly appreciate all of your content. It’s not just about soloing and scales, but it’s about real, applicable concepts like this video. Rhythm playing is actually most of our job as guitarists, with a little bit of soloing thrown in. Glad an industry pro like yourself is laying down the law out here..
thanks Daniel
Love the little, Peavy robot behind you.
When you started rushing, I was like, yeah, that's what I sound like most of the time... I know what to work on now.
Thanks Shane, the pocket explained. everyone should see this. You're the best, man.
Drummer here… This vid should be required study for EVERY young musician. Thanks, Shane!
thanks!
Theriot you are the shit so glad you offer up yo knowledge and groove to us who aspire to live with the funk
Totally fascinating revelation about regional variations…this was by far the most informative vid I’ve watched on this topic…excellent and well done!
thank u
Great video as always Shane. I remember when I was at GIT back in the 90s (studied with the great Ross Bolton (RIP) who taught me all about rhythm guitar) , practising rhythm for hours with my little Yamaha drum machine (my neighbours loved me…) . I would record myself on cassette and listen back to the differences of laying back, on the beat and ahead. As you say, it’s subtle but does make a huge difference. And yes to the live stream. Best wishes from London my friend.
thx so much!
Right on!
Lay back…feeling something is what music should be, and what yours always is.
Thanks again, Shane, it’s absolute gold.
Any live action stuff would be great.
Keep it coming big guy.
First video of yours I’ve seen, and I’m already a huge fan. This was fantastic insight
thanks for watching!
Feel and Pocket .. so important, not often taught (if you can even teach it!). Great stuff, Shane .. and I loved the Art Neville story .. too funny!
Great channel...loved your playing with Daryl..
You have the best educational stuff on RUclips, without making it boring. Keep up the cool lessons.
This is great. I'm a long time player and this is probably the thing I struggle with the most, so I really like this level of treatment on this topic.
That was a great story about the Neville brothers. I had the same thing happen to me when I was hired to play with the Funk Brothers. Joe Hunter was my Aaron Neville. I still my first night so well.
This such an important lesson. Thank you so much for bringing this guitarist’s attention
Great video. I'm just an amateur, but my theory is there's a difference between "laying back" where you just play at a slower tempo versus where you put your notes relative to the grid. Playing dead on the grid, like a drum machine, will give you that relentless feel. Whereas, playing to the grid but delaying or advancing certain emphasized notes is about adding feel or emphasis. Great drummers do this trick, putting the first beat or last beat of a section just little off the grid, Then they gradually pull back into grid very subtly.
Great lesson. Helps me understand why pocket feels like it does and what to work on to get it. Thank you
Priceless tips.
Thanks for a great lesson on a topic that doesn't get addressed often.
Lock it in the pocket. Thanks for the great lesson!
Great post. The subtlety is minute. It’s a feel. Very interesting! Thank you
Fantastic content. Between you, Tom Bukovac and Tim Pierce, I always have inspirational stuff to learn. Thank you Shane.
thx! Tim lives very close to me and we have gone hiking a few times. Great guy
I’m continuously learning. Thank you for the info from your course. Great content for beginners and pros. Absolutely love the Bob Marley story. Thanks again, Shane.
thanks Hetti!
Oh, yes would love to see a live stream.
@ thx for watching all of it Hetti!
Thank you Shane for a clear explanation!!
l can agree with your own beat because my ears tune in to it as it is natural.
Thanks! I tend to rush things so this is much needed advice.
Thank you so much for the Pay Pal Jenifer I appreciate it!
Thanks Shane,I've been preaching this as long as I've been an adult player. I used to go down to Texas and New Orleans,to listen to time. I come from Canada and the cold climate makes us play way up top of the beat.Live stream would be welcome .Thanks again
it worked for Rush and all those other great bands up your way! Depends on the music too
Pocket playing for me is something slightly behind the beat that adds to the vibe without taking the spotlight. Be in on creating the feel, but go along for the ride.
When you're the only guitarist it's about filling a space while leaving space. When you're playing with other guitarists, or horns or whatever, you need to find a space that they're not already in- Other guitar goes low, you take the higher voicing and vice versa; same with strumming or picking rhythms.
The best trick I've ever found for playing great rhythm is to imitate a harp or left hand piano or organ line. in funk tunes sometimes i'll do a one note minor 6-7 thing that's locked tightly to the high hat.
But, the overriding concept is to leave room for other cats to work and for things to happen which add to the entire ensemble while interjecting meaningfully in your own space.
Great illustration of playing with time. I think one of the important elements is, everyone can't play with time. You can't have the drummer drag and the bass push and the guitars on, etc. You are illustrating one instrument playing with time vs the click or the overall feel of a song. One of the big things to understand is for someone like Keith Richards to play behind the beat....others in the band have to be strict and play on the beat or establish that beat. If everyone is trying to play behind the beat....you just have a song that is dragging and the wrong temp. If you have guitars lag, and drums on and bass ahead and vocals who knows where...you have chaos. You can only have this feel if some instuments play with time. I think there should be more discussion about WHO is deviating from time to create the pocket and who is pushing, lagging or even dragging.
the SONG dictates the feel and who is doing what. In my opinion once you are playing with musicians of a certain caliber this stuff is rarely discussed on a session of gig, maybe a slight mention or it's just understood with a look or something. But yeah, if everyone dragged songs would be 20 min long haha.
I'm less than halfway through the video so far, but I had to make this comment....
It seems to me, that since the drummer is "keeping time" for the whole band, that he should be right on the "grid.". Much rhythm, too, except in like a slow blues.
Lead is where you might have more leeway.
When i play lead, sometimes i get slightly behind the best for a messure or two, but it always works out.
It's a function of what I'm playing, like, how I'm expressing myself.
Can't wait to see what you show us!
EDIT:
Ok, after seeing that in the software, i see what you're saying.
I still feel like the rhythm guitar should be closer to the grid, but I'm just an amateur.
I already understood what the term means, but after watching this video, i am certainly more aware of how any musician might vary from the click track!
I'll be paying more attention from now on!
🤫 👍👍👍
it all depends on 1. the song. 2. The feel the artist is going for. 3. the drummer......all of this stuff in the video goes out of the window if these things aren't considered. No great classic tracks have "everyone close to the grid" - Even the mighty John Bonham sped up at the end of those classic Zeppelin tracks.....there is no rule. And you don't really need a click track if you have good players.....This was just to show how small detail affect feel. Thx for watching ST>
Thanks for taking the time to share this content, very helpful stuff!
I admire good time feel more than just about anything. Julian Lage comes to mind as a guitarist with unbelievable time. I always took it as a point of pride that drummers always like playing with me as well.
Self taught, so I've always (35+ years) been a full chord guy (4, 5 & 6 notes) as a solo acoustic bar player but, thank you and all these other heavy duty session cats that came into the RUclips universe for helping me to better understand the less is more theory, by using double stops & triads which sets you up to create priceless movement.
it's just another way to think about it - thank you for watching
What an informative lesson! ❤ Live stream - yes. Your feel of behind the beat sounds so right to me. As many times as I have heard you play live, it always sounds amazing!
Great video.
Pretty sure I own all of your TrueFire courses Shane and definitely your NOLA Funk groove book. As far as I’m concerned you’re one of the most authentic groove players alive today. Totally world class! ❤
Great lesson Shane!!!!
Great video
This was very helpful!!❤
Thanks for watching!
Great video. It's impprtant to get frequent reminders always aware of where we are in the pocket for our own music or with our bands.
It's okay to move around the pocket depending on how the song is swinging. Feel is so important like you said so just being aware of it what gives us more control over it and once we're in controll of our feel, things can go to a whole new level.
10 years as bass player in Rock Band and because of nuances with the other guys I was usually best serving the songs playing slightly behind In those Pockets. Now I'm writing music as a rhythm and lead guitarist I'm finding myself driving these Pockets more often than not running ahead with upbeat heavier rock and roll songs. So again thanks for posting this cuz now I can think about some of the Rhythm playing adjustments has been so focused on technique
Awesome and Relevant!!
Great lesson
This was extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Ahhh, the Neville Brothers. Lots of great memories of listening to them at Tips and French Quarter Fest..
Can't forget the Radiators for a sold New Orleans funky sound...
I'm a long time drummer who tends to naturally play on the back side of the note. Thanks for the video.
thx for watching
HI Shane- Huge fan of your TrueFire courses and would love to see more vids that highlight some of the samples - even better a Live Stream discussing these - and some Q&A - Great content as usual!!! Thanks
good idea
I worked with you on an Adam Fears??? record... this popped up in my feed and I recognized your voice and then remembered. KICK ASS! Really good instruction, cheers!
I specifically remember you focusing on how that album felt, and this video totally ties into that... and we cut the basic tracks to tape!
@@CollinPeterson615 wow yeah long time ago! I produced that for a guy named Everett Lowe who passed away a while back....Adam was/is a great songwriter. Hope he's doing well! Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the GOOD STUFF...I like the connections between the Trufire courses and how you can shine a light on certain parts. Great idea, thanks again
Liked and subscribed. TY for sharing the groove and how to move it to and fro serving the song with a bit of tempo spice. killer tone as well easy on the ears .
thank you
Thanks!
thank you Dwight!
I always enjoy your lessons and your real world examples. I would definitely tune in to a livestream.
Very enjoyable, Shane. I'm glad I found your channel. As a lead guitar specialist, I always feel like a beginner when playing with rhythm masters so I need to check out the rest of your content.
thanks for finding me! I mix it up a bit but a lot of people like the rhythm stuff
Great stories and playing. Love your TrueFire videos!
Looking forward to your rhythm course. You’re the best at the groove. Playing for years but that is the one thing that throws me. If I panic I rush every time.
thanks!
Luv ur stories and yes to a live stream!
Nice Shane thanks for sharing love your channel and your method books 🎸🎶
Thanks for all your videos. I'm enjoying all of them.
Why not take us on a gig or session if permitted. I would love to see some footage of you at work. thanks
i'll try in the future. It's hard to do because I have to worry about so many things filming while I'm playing and it's not always cool with the artist/producer.
@@TheRiotguitar yes of course. there is a guy in Nashville doing that sort of thing. Nicky V, I believe. he always asks I if is cool with everyone.
Check some "Daryl's House" episodes to see Shane in action
@@Mr.Owl9 yes a good idea. i have watched about 30 now. just working my way through them. guitar in hand as well
Good stuff my man .. I had to laugh when you told the Neville Brothers story with that picture ..
Very interesting
Made my day! Thank you for sharing this extremely useful info! You're my guitar hero! Would love to see live streams if you can! 💙
Great tips as always Shane! Love the idea of a live stream too.
Thanks Shane! Yes..live stream will be cool!
Hello Shane! The older and more experienced I get the more I'm playing in the pocket -
to the point where I can call the pocket my second home.
Hey Shane! Great, and I mean GREAT video!! I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on the things you’re talking about here. Playing in the pocket. I’ve found a lot of people I know, friends of mine, tend to wind up, like you said, either right on the beat or even slightly out ahead (I’m from NY). I with you on laying back. Hitting the mark but making it feel a little lazy… This was probably one of the most informative videos I’ve seen in a while. Everyone wants to be Larry Carlton but no one wants to be Jimmy Nolen…. IYKYK.
great points thx!
Enjoying your channel. Great tips! Super cool guitar as well. Thank you!
thanks!
Exactly what I needed, thanks!
This is amazing content. Thank you sir.
You have the best stories, man. Love your truefire course
thx!
And yes to the live stream!
@ you made it to the end! thx!
Guitar Head is not your friend. Space is the place 🎸 Thx for the lesson, Shane. I will definitely check out the TrueFire course.
That was fantastic !
Superb lesson Shane. Really interesting about how timing differs depending where in the country you are. The story about the Neville’s was funny,Jesus bet it wasn’t at the time.
Great video. We can now make basic stems in Logic from full songs, so it might be cool to take 3 or 4 cool pocket songs from back in the day and split them out to see where the players sit next to the drums.
Very helpful!
Fascinating!
I like it behind the beat.
This was Great. Informative , interesting Etc. !!!!! Thanks Shane
This was very useful and helpful. I have been playing for almost 30 years now and I still have troubles playing completely in time even with myself when I’m recording 😂
Appreciate you! Got to have the great ear first and you sure do! Thanks for the share.
They all felt good, but it seems your first one swung the 8ths more than the “locked in” one, which had straighter 8ths. That’s how drum machines do it too: they keep the main beats in place, but push the 8ths around.
What I wanted to say is that when I’m learning something, I struggle not to rush. As I become more comfortable, I tend to fall into that behind pocket-sometimes too much!
I took a groove course from a drummer, and he said, “Don’t play until you’ve got your time.” That’s a good practice for bringing a little zen before each go.
good advice
Hello Shane. Just subscribed. This is awesome, really dig this type of lesson! Look forward to more cool content. Doug from Denver.
Thanks Doug, I'm glad you like it!
Thanks for this! Maybe talk about the push/pull in a band context. If everyone is behind, no one is, right? Someone has to establish time for some else to be behind it etc. Subscribed!
it just depends on the song really. In the Stones for example everyone is sorta behind all the time but that's what makes it sound like a band. On the other hand even John Bonham sped up a lot of those Zeppelin songs and Jimmy Page was always either right on or ahead of the beat....listen to "The Crunge".....you'll hear it. EVH had an amazing pocket but he was never behind- always pulling the beat. Listen to the bridge on Panama you'll hear it
Man I wish I could move around like that on purpose. Great video brother.
keep at it it will come
Isn't it great when you can complement each other without talking 😅thanks Shane , Anthony Richard from Peabody Massachusetts
thx a lot! Helps me with my students!! I am more of a laid backer too... hahaha
I love your Guild my jamming brother has one so unique 😍
Yes please… Live Stream would be Great! Hopefully when/if you’re able to do, advance notice is GOOD….😅
Would love love love a live stream
’m getting ur course right now! Not enough teach in this Area in music !
Yea Shane!
Shane I purchased your three DVD'S from TrueFire years ago but I haven't unpacked all my music gear since moving. I need to get T.F. to send the programs electronically through the web due to my computer not having a DVD player. I would have been shaking in my boots about the Neville Brothers comment on timing but, I think I would have told Art, have you seen the size of the biceps on Aaron ? 😂
haha back then yeah! But nobody messed with Artie. Aaron is still a close friend. I get a joke or meme pretty much every other day from him.
Hey Tero… New guy here… But longtime fan. Gunna do some binge’n through your videos.
Welcome to the party!
Thanks, Shane. And, you're right, once the DAW happened man people got real fussy. And, in my opinion, we lost some soul. Let the music breathe! Be well. Cheers!
How can you play so groovy...❤
I dig it.
first time watching you on yt.
I might remember, a much younger you in NY (in the day)? dunno, no real names in the open (social media). anyway. great to see you still doing the thing :)
yup, sub'd & stuff.
thanks for sharing those thoughts, these are good ones to explore. only wish I had youtube when I was learning to play.
i was in living in NY in 2016-2020 so not sure how much younger I would have been haha. Thanks for subbing and watching !
@@TheRiotguitar well guess it's just me looking older then. anyway, great stuff, keep it coming :)
When you played ahead it reminded me of John Mayer. 😂
haha
Video feels a bit unresolved as you forgot to say “Theriot out.”😂 Awesome/generous content as usual. 👍Livestream
aw thanks!
Playing in the pocket is one of the most elusive techniques in the biz. Tough to do when playing to a click - easier when playing with a solid drummer.
Pretty sure I own all of your TrueFire courses Shane and definitely your NOLA Funk groove book. As far as I’m concerned you’re one of the most authentic groove players alive today. Totally world class! ❤